ET68 M38 paratrooper KIA helmet

Unique, untouched Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger m38 helmet marked ET68 indicating production by Eisenhuttenwerke Thale. The helmet was period overpainted in black paint; a feature I have seen with a number of helmets. The helmet retains its factory fitted liner and period placed chinstrap; both in blood soaked condition. This is a typical ‘KIA’ or ‘Killed in Action’ helmet. One of the back screws was lost and period replaced with a piece of bailing wire. The helmet is a untouched, as found example, probably sent home by a GI. The back of the liner band has initials enscribed; I can’t quite make it out but it could be a nice base for research.